Delayed Cord Clamping: Benefits, 'Wait Until White', and NHS Guidance
Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is an evidence-based birth practice where the umbilical cord is not clamped immediately after delivery. Instead, healthcare professionals wait for at least one minute—or until the cord turns white and stops pulsating—before clamping. Supported by NHS and NICE guidance, DCC is increasingly standard in UK maternity care for its benefits to both term and preterm infants.
Understanding the Physiology of Labour: What to Expect
Pregnancy is a time of change—and with change can come anxiety, excitement, and uncertainty. Whether you're attending antenatal education in Tunbridge Wells or preparing from home with online antenatal classes, incorporating mindful breathing into your daily routine can offer a powerful anchor through it all.
The Benefits of Mindful Breathing in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of change—and with change can come anxiety, excitement, and uncertainty. Whether you're attending antenatal education in Tunbridge Wells or preparing from home with online antenatal classes, incorporating mindful breathing into your daily routine can offer a powerful anchor through it all.
Why Iron Matters in the Third Trimester
As your baby grows rapidly in the final months, your blood volume expands by as much as 50%. This physiological shift helps deliver oxygen and nutrients through the placenta. But it also means your body needs significantly more iron — to produce enough haemoglobin to support both you and your baby.
Your First Antenatal Appointment: What to Expect
The first antenatal appointment—often called the booking appointment—typically happens between 8 and 10 weeks pregnant. It’s your official entry into maternity care and helps build the foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
How to Prepare for Your Postnatal Recovery Before Giving Birth
There’s a great deal of emphasis placed on planning for labour—what to pack in the hospital bag, understanding the stages of birth, learning about pain relief. But the truth is, birth is just the beginning. What follows, often with less guidance, is the fourth trimester: a time of physical healing, hormonal recalibration, emotional shift, and learning how to care for a newborn while also caring for yourself.
How Sharing Your Birth Story Can Help You Heal
Childbirth is a profound physiological and psychological event. While it’s often romanticised in culture, the reality is far more complex. For many women, birth leaves behind not just stretch marks and scars—but psychological imprints that quietly shape their postpartum experience.
What to Ask at Your 6-Week Postnatal Check-Up
The six-week postnatal check-up marks a pivotal moment in your recovery journey. It’s more than a tick-box on your postpartum calendar—it’s a chance to refocus on your health, body, and emotional well-being after giving birth. Whether your experience was smooth or complicated, this appointment is a space to ask honest questions and advocate for your care.